Overview

Position Summary
The Industrial Firefighter role involves combating fires, performing rescues, delivering emergency medical services (EMS) as required, conducting safety inspections and public education, operating fire apparatus, and participating in training programs. Employees are also responsible for the maintenance and readiness of fire stations, vehicles, and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls, including structural fires, vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, spills, rescues, extrications, confined space, water, and high-angle rope rescues.

  • Participate in ongoing departmental training programs covering fire prevention, suppression, rescue operations, EMS, and other emergency management topics as directed.

  • Conduct daily apparatus and equipment inspections, reporting any issues immediately.

  • Perform all duties safely and report unsafe conditions or incidents to supervisors.

  • Complete required documentation and reports accurately and on time.

  • Carry out assigned projects and responsibilities within set deadlines.

  • Maintain thorough knowledge of the service area, including streets, buildings, water sources, and potential hazards.

  • Be available for emergency recall as determined by the Fire Chief.

  • Assist with EMS responses as assigned.

  • Support planning, evaluation, and maintenance of department facilities, apparatus, and equipment.

  • Participate in public education and outreach initiatives, promoting safety and community awareness.

  • Keep work areas, vehicles, and equipment clean and orderly.

  • Contribute to emergency preparedness planning and provide recommendations for department improvements.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Age: 18 years or older.

  • Education: High school diploma or GED.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with colleagues, hospitals, emergency services, law enforcement, and the public.

  • Ability to handle conflict professionally and with good judgment.

  • Certifications: Firefighter I/II preferred; OSHA 10 preferred (required within 12 months). CPR certified. AO Pumper certification required within 12 months. EMT-B, Advanced, or Paramedic credentials preferred.

  • Successfully pass background check and departmental physical agility test.

Optional Driving Requirements

  • Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license.

  • No DUI, drug convictions, or revoked/suspended license within the last five years.

  • Limited driving violations: no more than two tickets or two accidents in the past three years, or one ticket plus one accident.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to walk, climb, crawl, bend, push, pull, lift, and maintain balance over challenging terrain.

  • Must be able to lift and carry 125 lbs unassisted (250 lbs with help).

  • Correctable vision to 20/20 in at least one eye and ability to differentiate colors.

  • Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for equipment and medications.

  • Awareness and orientation to reality; ability to detect normal vs. abnormal human conditions via visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile senses.

Sample Pre-Hire Physical Tasks:

  1. Climb five flights of stairs in full PPE with SCBA while carrying hose pack.

  2. Deploy and roll up sections of hose, drag rescue dummy 50 feet.

  3. Complete “Spaghetti Drill” with mask obscured.

  4. Hoist a 50-foot hose roll three times using hand-over-hand technique.

  5. Perform a two-minute axe chop.

Stress and Work Environment

  • Frequently operates in intense, fast-paced, and high-pressure situations.

  • Occasionally required to work extended shifts and available for immediate recall.

  • Works independently or in teams, indoors and outdoors, with face-to-face and verbal communication.

Mental Requirements

  • Frequent analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, memorization, perception, and computation.

  • Constant reading, writing, judgment, and reasoning.

Equipment & Public Interaction

  • Occasionally uses computers, biomedical tools, phones, and fire/EMS equipment.

  • Engages in public awareness and education programs.

  • Maintains professional appearance, hygiene, and uniform standards.

  • Communicates tactfully with volunteer agencies and remains apolitical while representing the department.

  • Must speak English clearly and write legibly, with basic teaching skills as needed.

About NORTHSTAR-EMS-INC

NorthStar EMS delivers professional, compassionate emergency medical services and patient transport. Our team partners with communities to provide reliable care, safety, and support when it matters most. We focus on continuous training, teamwork, and excellence to ensure every patient receives the highest quality care.